How to Run a Show

Pre-Show

As always, you'll arrive before your cast and crew. By this time, you should have a solid routine established. Show up, run through your pre-show checklist, take attendance, do time calls, make any phone calls that you need to. Make sure your crew is doing their pre-show checks, and if everything is running on time, pop out to the lobby to chat with the house manager and let them know. Get their number so that you can communicate during the show. They will open house on time if you tell them you're running on time, but be sure to let them know if they need to delay house opening or closing. Make all of your calls leading up to house and places, and head up to the booth to check in on headset and start the show.

After everyone is in places, confirm with the house manager to close the house. Check in with your ASMs to make sure everyone is at places. Once the house is closed, give it about a minute to make sure everyone has found their seats, then triple check that your ASMs and crew are ready, and start the show.

During Show

Take a deep breath. You are going to crush it!

You should run the show exactly as you have practiced in Dress Rehearsals. If something happens, it is your job to troubleshoot and tell the crew what to do and how to handle it. You should only get off headset if absolutely necessary. If you are in the Wurtzel, your headset also communicates with David in the Tech Directors' office, so you can ask him for help if you need to. If you are in the Kander, you are on your own. In case of an emergency, refer to the emergency response page.

At this point though, it is your show. Run it the best way you know how, and use your best judgment to troubleshoot if you need to. Break a Leg!

Post-Show

Before doing any post show, the house should be completely clear. Then follow your post show checklist.

Actors must get out of costume before going to mingle with the audience.

Check in with the House Manager to get the house count.

The stage manager is the last to leave. After all cast, crew, and audience members have left, you shut down the space.